Exciting PhD project opportunity on “Use of microbes in the bioremediation of environments contaminated with plastics, petrochemicals or PFAS”

Application deadline: 30th Dec. 2025

This PhD opportunity will be in the laboratory of Professor Tony Gutierrez at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland, and be part of the Environmental Biotechnology Innovation Centre (EBIC) project.

Based on a 2016 House of Commons report, there are ~300,000 contaminated sites in the UK with an economic value >£1 billion. Meanwhile, progress on remediation technologies has lacked momentum. This PhD will explore biotechnological approaches using microorganisms, biochar, engineering biology and other methods to reduce environmental pollutants such as nano-/micro-plastics, petrochemicals and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The project is expected to result in a significant technological step forward in this field of aquatic and soil pollution remediation. The project will be based in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) at Heriot-Watt University and form part of a large project called the Environmental Biotechnology Innovation Centre (EBIC): https://ebicentre.co.uk/. EBIC is a new centre involving research collaborations between 10 academic institutions from across the UK and 30 associated partners. The successful applicant will join EBIC working on developing novel engineering and synthetic biology methods for environmental bioremediation, resource recovery and waste recycling.

Who Can Apply

This PhD is open to only to applicants of the UK, or have resided in the UK for at least 3 years.

How To Apply

All applications must include a CV and the names and contact details of 2-3 referees, and be sent by email addressed to Professor Tony Gutierrez. Email: tony.gutierrez@hw.ac.uk

All applicants must have or expect to have a 1st class MSc or equivalent degree, or at the very least a 1st class Honours degree.  Selection will be based on academic excellence and research potential, and all short-listed applicants will be interviewed (in person or via Teams).

The successful applicant must be available to start this PhD in 2026.

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